Wheel-harrow



3 Sheets-Sheet 2. C. La DOW.

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` 3 Sheets-Sheet 3. C La'DOW. Wheel-Harrow. No. 225,394. Patented Mar. 9, 1880.

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- PETERS. PKOTO-LITHDGRAPNER, WASHINGTON. DJI.

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UNITED STATES lPirrnivr Ormea.

CHARLES LA DOW, OF ALBANY, NEW YORK.

WHEEL-HARROW.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 225,394, dated March 9, 1880.

Application filed November 4, 1879 To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES LA DOW, of the city and countyof Albany, in the State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vheel-Harrows,ofwhich the following is a specification.

My invention more especially relates to wheel-harrows of the class having wheel or disk gangs attached in sets to a draft-connection, main frame, or carrying-frame in such manner as to admit of lateral swing or play of the disk-gangs relatively to the line of draft, as well as the ordinary vertical or lateral adjustments usual in such machines.

First. The first part of myinvention relates to the mode of connecting the disk-gangs with the main frame. Its objects are to regulate the pressure of the former upon the ground and to give the mechanism the capacity of rising and falling freely relatively to the main frame when desired, which end I attain by mounting t-he disk-gangs on a supplementary frame suspended from the main frame by means of lifting-levers, detents, and rigid but adjustable link-rods. which, when clamped,

bear upon the disk-gan gs, but when loose'allow the disk-gangs to play up and down freely irrespective of the mainframe.

Second. The next part of my invention relates to the drivers seat. Its object is to utilize the weight of the driver in forcing the disks into the ground, which end I attailrby mounting the drivers seat on the laterallyswinging frame which carries the disk-gangs instead of upon the main or carrying frame.

Third. My improvement further consists in A combining a main frame, a supplementary frame adjustable in width, a drivers seat, and

, pivoted standards interposed between the seat and supplementary frame, to compensate the adjustment of the latter.

Fourth. The nextpart of my invention relates to the method of adjusting the diskgangs relatively to theline of draft, its special object being to limit the turning or angular movement of the disk-gang relatively to the line of draft, which end I attain bycombining with the disk-gang-adj usting mechanism a stop to limit said turning movement.

Fifth. The object of the next part of my invention is to insure the harmonious co-opera-` tion of the disk-gangs, so that when one set varies its angle to the line of draft the other set is correspondingly varied, which end I attain by combining the angle-adjusting mechanism of each set of disks with an interposed rocking lever, so that the movement of one set is transferred to the other by said lever.

Sixth. The object of the next part of my invention is to enable this an gle-adjusting apparatus to adapt itself to the varying widths of the frame by which it is carried, which end I att-ain by mounting the interposed rocking lever above' mentioned upon links -pivoted to the side beams of said frame.

Seventh. The object of the next part of my invention is to enable the driver, while in his seat, to regulate the angle of either disk-gang relatively to the line of draft without disturbing the adjustment of the other gang., which end I attain by connecting the crank arm or plate on the rocking standard of the diskgang and the link connecting said plate with the interposed rocking lever above mentioned by means of an adjustable connection within easy reach of and controlled by the driver.

Eighth. The object of the next part of my invention is to enable the driver to employ his feet in varying or controlling the angular relation of the disk-gangs to the line of draft, and to place such mechanism within convenient reach of l the driver, notwithstanding variations in the width of the supporting-frame, which ends I attain by combining the rocking standard' of the disk-gang with the footcrank by means of an adjustable clamp, which permits the relation of the foot-crank relatively to the disk-gangs to be varied.

Ninth. The next part of myinvention relates to the method of mounting the disk gang shafts on their supporting-yokes. Its object is to vary the inclination of the disk-gang shaft horizontally and transversely to the line d to the mechanism for cultivating the spaces between the disk-gangs. Its object is to provide said space with a rake or rakes the teeth of which can be set varying angles of in- IOO rvs

clination, as desired, which end I attain by mounting an axially turning or adjustable rake on a shield suspended from the frame so as to project therefrom transversely to the line of draft.

Eleventh. Myimprovement further consists in combining the rakes, the shields, and the disk-gangs with the vertically-adjustable laterally-swin ging frame.

Twelfth. The object of the next part of my invention is so to organize the apparatus as to utilize the weight of the driver in counterbalancing that of the disk -gangs upon the main axle, which ends I attain by pivoting the swinging frame to the main frame in front of the axle, suspending the disk-gangs from the swinging frame in front of the axle, and mounting the drivers seat on said frame in rear of the axle.

. The accompanying drawings represent all my improvements as embodied in one m achine in the best way now known to me. Obviously, however, the details of construction of the several parts may be variedin various equivalent well-known ways without departing from the spirit of my invention. Some of the parts may also be used without the others, and in machines differing in construction from that herein shown.

Figure 1 represents a view, in elevation, of one side of the machine, with the inner driving-wheel removed to show the other parts more clearly. Fig. 2 represents a vertical longitudinal central section through the machine on the line 2 2 of Fig. 4. Fig. 3 represents a rear elevation of the machine with the seat removed. Fig. 4 represents a plan or top view thereof. Fig.5 represents a similar view with portions of the mechanism removed to show the parts beneath more clearly. The dotted lines represent some of the adjustments of which the machine is capable. Fig. 6 represents a vertical transverse section through one of the disk-gangs and the mechanism which connects it with the swinging frame, showing the details of construction of the -various parts. Fig. 7 represents a vertical transverse section through one of the disk-shafts, its thimbles, and supporting-yoke, showing the details of construction. Fig. 8 represents a plan or top view of a portion of one of the shiftin g-levers. Fig.9 represents an end view of one of the disk-shafts and locking-washers for securing the disks in position; and Fig. l0 represents a plan or top view of one of the adjusting-plates of the disk-supporting shaft or standard.

In order to carry out the irst part of my invention,two main or carrying wheels, A A', are shown as being each mounted on its respective bent or crank axle B B', the inner end of which extends across the machine, `so that the central portions of the axle overlap each other, and their ends, in fact, in this instance, extend beyond the opposite side of the main carrying or supporting frame, each section being securely held in adjustable clamps or adjustable bearings b b in each side of the main frame in usual well-knownA ways.

By this mode of construction it is obvious that the distance apart of the wheels can readilyT be varied to suit different widths of the rows of plants to be cultivated.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, the main or carrying frame is preferably made V-shaped, and consists. in this instance, of two beams, c c', connected at their rear ends with the sectional axle above described, and converging to the front, where they are united by a cross brace or strap, c2.

Brace-rods b2 b3, connected at their rear ends with their respective crank-axles, are provided on their front ends with eyes fitted over screwbolts b4 b5, adjustable backward and forward in slots in the sides of the frame in the usual wellknown ways.

By this mode of construction varying adjustments of the distance apart of the carrying-wheels are compensated, at the same time that the parts, when thus adjusted, are securely held against working strains.

I mount a draft-evener yoke, D, on a neckyoke, E, swiveled to the front end of the frame in the usual way by means of a swivel, e, and connect the evener-yoke by link-rods d d with the usual draft-equalizing levers Dl D2, to which the whifletrees are attached, as usual. These levers D ID2 ordinarily are attached to the main or carrying frame; but Ihave shown them as mounted on the swinging frame which carries the disk-gang.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I mount the disk-gangs- F F on a supplementary swinging frame, which frame, in this instance, is shown as consisting, essentially, of two divergingb'eams,G G,oonnected by a hook and eye (or other well-known form of swiveling-joint) with the main frame, or with the cross-bar c2 in the front end thereof. These beams ilare or diverge laterally backward, and are connected at a point intermediate of their length with the usual U-shaped yoke G2, upon the horizontal arms of which they are capable of sliding to adjust them nearer to or farther from each other, and are clamped vby means of hasps or loops and screws or other well-known means. I suspend this supplementary frame from the main or carrying frame by means of links J, pivoted to lifting-levers I I', provided with sector-racks andydetents of well-known construction, or other equivalent means to hold them atv the desired elevation. rIhese links preferably are made in sections j j', having the capacity of sliding past each other and being provided with elongated slots, through which screw-bolts 9'2 pass. (See Fig. l.)

By this method of construction the pressurev of the supplementary frame, and consequently.

of the disks, upon the ground can be regulated, and by releasing the screw-bolts the connection becomes a flexible one and permits the supplementary frame freely to rise and fall. The same result can be attained by making the IOO IIO

links J in one piece and providing slots in them, through which set-screws on this lifting-lever may pass 5 or the slots might be on the levers and the screw-bolts ou the links. I also pivot these links at their lower ends to the standards K K', which carry the disk-gangs F F', and at their upper ends to the lifting-levers by joints which admit of lateral play, and so organize the links in relation to the timbers of the-main or carrying frame that the latter act as stops to limit the lateral vibrations ofthe gan g-frames.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, Imount the drivers seat M upon standards m m', pivoted to it at one end and to the rear ends of the beams of the supplementary frame at the other, whereby the weight of the driver is thrown directly upon the supplementary frame, and consequently'upon the diskgangs, and the drivers seat readily adapts itselt' to the varying distances between the seat and supplementaryframe-beamsto compensate for varying adjustments of the width ot' the supplementary frame.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I mount the disk-gangs upon horizontally-rocking posts or standards K K', pivoted on the supplementary frame by means of sleeves k k', secured thereto, through which sleeves the standards pass, (see Fig. 6,) whereby the lateral shift of the plows is controlled by varying their angle relatively to the line of draft while working in the ground, in contradistinction to moving them laterally bodily above or through the ground, as heretofore has been customary. These rocking standards are also provided with crank-plates N N', connected, by links n a', with a rocking lever, O, controlled by stops 0 o' to limit its range of movement, and consequently the play or an gular adjustment of the disk-gangs relatively to thelineofdraft. Thesestopsaremadeadjustable on the side beams of the swinging frame by slots and set-screws or other well-known ways, in order to vary the rocking of the disks.

In order to calry out the next partot myinvention, I connect each disk-gang standard, by means ot' a crank plate or arm, N N', and link-rod a n', with a compensating` or rocking lever, O. so that the relation of one disk-gang to the line of draft may be controlled by the other, and thus equalize their pressure on the ground when Working in a straight line, and also cause one gang to assist the other in swerving around a hill of plants out of line in the row.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I mount the rocking lever O (which equalizes the angular relation of the disk-gangs to the line of draft) upon links 02o?, pivoted on the supplementary frame, by which mode of construction the rocking lever adapts itself to the varyin g distances between the side beams of the supplementary frame as the distances between the disk-gangs is varied.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I arrange the crank-plates of the disk-gang standards so as to be Within easy reach of Ithe driver from his seat, and provide them with numerous holes, in any one of which the link-rod may be inserted, and thus vary the angle of the disk post or standard relatively to the line of draft from which the rocking movement of the disk-gangs starts. The sameadjustment might be effected by a slot and set-screws.`

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I mount upon the rocking disk-gang standard a `foot-crank, P, and connect the two by a rose-clamp-that is, two radially-notched surfaces pressed together by a screw-or other well-known adjustable connection which will admit of the angular relation between the diskgangs4 and this actuating foot-crank being changed to compensate their varying relation to the drivers seat as their distance therefrom is varied. A swinging foot-piece, p, pivoted on the foot-crank, can be turned and set into the position most convenient for the driver's foot, or it may follow the motion of the drivers foot, it' desired.

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I mount the disk-gangs upon yokes the arms or branches 7a2 of which are composed of sections sliding past each other and controlled by set-screws, (see Fig. 1,) by which means the horizontal inclination of the gangshaft transversely to the line of draft may be varied horizontally. I pivot upon each beam of the supplementary frame a shield, Q, vertically adjustable and movable laterally therewith. Each shield, it will be observed, is pivoted to its respective side beam of the swinging frame, and is adjustable therewith. By this method of construction the disks roll the earth up under the shields and so grind and riddle or sift it against the edge of the shields and assist in pulverizing the soil around the hills. Shovels in combination with shields cannot do this. Y

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I mount upon these vertically-adj ustable laterally-shiftin g shields rakes'R, `projecting inwardly transversely therefrom and made capable ot' turning axially in well-known ways, in order that their teeth may be set to run at different heights above the ground, as desired.

IOO

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In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I so organize the machine that the disk-gangs are hung in front of the main axle, while the drivers seat extends behind it, thus balancing the weight of the gangs by the weight ot' the driver. Figs. l and 2 show this organization so clearly as to render further description unnecessary.

I provide each thimble-box S with an oilchamber, s, extending around a thimble, s2, inclosing the gang-shaft T, and with an. annular fin, s', on the thimble inclosing said shaft, which 1in serves at the same time to distribute the oill and prevent the lateral pressure of the thimbles orthe disks against the end of the ythimble-box.

\ In, order to carry out the next part of my IZO invention, Iprovide a thimble, a thimble-boX, S, turning loosely on the disk-shaft T, with a groove, t, into which a lug, tf, on the yoke 7a2, which sustains the disk-gang, enters to prevent the turning over or reversal of the oilcup by the rotation of the disks on their shafts. (See Fig. 7.)

In order to carry out the next part of my invention, I provide a groove, t2, on the diskgang shaft T, with an inwardly-projecting feather, u, on the washer, which is interposed between the disk W and the nut w, which clamps it on its shaft, thus preventing any movement of the washer independent of the shaft, and consequently any tendency to unscrew the nut from the shaft.

The disk-gang shaft is provided at one end with an enlarged head, against which one of the disks abuts. A flanged thimble, s2, of usual well-known construction, is then slipped upon this shaft and followed by another disk. A similar thimble is then placed on the shaft and the thimble-box S is slipped upon it. Another disk is then slipped upon the shaft, the outer end of which shaft is provided with a notch, groove, or recess, t2, and an annular washer provided with an inwardly-projecting feather, corresponding with the notch or re- 'diminished as circumstances require.

cess above described, is then slipped on the shaft next the disk, and the parts are all firmly clamped together by means of an ordinary nut and screw.

This is the construction shown in the drawings, particularly in Fig. 6, three disks being shown in each gang; but the number' of disks in each gang may obviously be increased or Fig. 6 also shows one oil-box only; but a similar device could readily be applied between each set of disks. The disks shown are of thev ordinary concavo-conveX, solid, or plate-wheel type.

The disk gangs, under the organization above specified, have the capacity of swingin glaterally above ground, as usual with diskgangs of this class, but I. prefer to shift them laterally when Working by changing their augle relatively to the line of draft, and thus shif't them by the lateral pressure due to the progressive motion ofthe machine, for which mode of operation the machine is specially designed.

The mode of operation of my improved machine and the advantages attained by the organization of the mechanism therein recorded will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description without further explanation.

I do not broadly claim herein laterallyswinging disk-gangs, nor gangs adjustable relatively to the line of draft, but limit my claims' to the organizations of instrumentalities substantially such as are herein specied.

I claim as of my own invention- 1. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the main frame, thev supplementary swinging frame, the disk-gangs mounted thereon, the lifting-levers and their detents on the main frame, and the slotted sectional link-rods, having set-screws connecting the .disk-gangs and levers, whereby the supplementary frame may be left free to rise vertically or may be held rigidly in any desired position.

2. AThe combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, ofthe main wheel-frame, the supplementary swinging frame, the diskgangs mounted thereon, lifting mechanism, substantially such as described, mounted on the main frame, and the drivers seat mounted on the laterally-swinging disk-frame to increase the pressure upon the disk-gangs.

3. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the main frame, the supplementary frame, adjustable in width, the drivers seat, and the pivoted standards interposed between the seat and frame to compensate its adjustments.

4:. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a disk-gang, its standard, a sleeve in which itlrocks, a crank plate or arm on the disk-gang standard, a rocking lever, a link connecting the crank-arm and lever, and a stop to limit the movement of the lever.

5. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the disk-gangs, their rocking standards, crank-arms, and links, with the rocking lever, whereby the disk-gangs move in harmonywhen changing their angle relatively to their line of draft.

6. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the laterally-adjustable swinging frame-beams, the disk-gangsmounted in sets, each set on its respective beam, the rocking standards, their crank-arms, links, and rocking lever, the latter being connected by pivoted links to the side beams to compensate adjustments of their distance apart.

7. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the rocking disk gang standard, its crank arm or plate, the link connectin g it with the rocking lever, and the adjustable connection between the crank-arm and link-rod, to enable the driver, while in his seat, to vary' the angular relation between the disk-gangs and line of draft.

`- 8. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a disk-gang, its rocking standard, a foot-crank to rock the standard to vary the angle of the disk-gang relatively to the line of draft, and an adjusting-clamp connecting the rocking standard and foot-crank, to compensate adjustments in the width of the supporting-frame and to maintain a proper relation to the drivers seat.

9. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set-forth, of the disk-gangshaft or thimble and the adjustable sectional supportingyoke to vary the inclination of the disk-gang shaft horizontally and transversely to the line of draft.

10. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of the axially-turning rakes and the shields in which they are mounted.

11. The combination, substantially as here- IOO IIO

nbefore set forth, of the laterally-swinging frame with the disk-gangs, the shields, and the rakes, all carried thereby..

l2. The combination, substantially as here- 5 inbefore set forth, of the main axle, the main r frame mounted therein, the swinging frame pvoted to the main frame in front of the axle, the disk-gangs hung from the swinging frame in front of the axle, and the drivers seat on scribed my name.

the swinging frame in the rear of the axle, 1o whereby the Weight of the driver eounterbalences that of the disk-gangs.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subeHARLEs LA now.l

Witnesses GEO. G. LEE, J. J. J ANsEN. 

